February 08, 2008 -
Rhode Island
Brennan Beer Gorman/Architects and Brennan Beer Gorman Monk/Interiors' (BBG-BBGM) Renaissance Providence Hotel/ Masonic Temple rehabilitation project earned a Special Award in Preservation from the Providence Preservation Society (PPS). Â
After more than 70 years of disrepair, the former Masonic Temple was converted into the Renaissance Providence Hotel. Â Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the project has been described as "the largest preservation project in the history of Rhode Island" and is inarguably the most important preservation project of a severely threatened historic building. BBG-BBGM designed a 274-key hotel within the existing 237,000 s/f historical neoclassical structure and an eight-story addition that links the Temple to the adjacent Veterans Memorial Auditorium. Â
The award honors the Renaissance Providence Hotel for its contribution to the rehabilitation of the former Masonic Temple and positive impact on the architectural heritage of Providence. Each year the Providence Preservation Society recognizes significant contributions to the preservation and revitalization of Providence's historic resources. Â BBG-BBGM have experience renovating and preserving historic structures including over 30 hotels in New York City. Â Â Â
"We are honored to be recognized for our role in bringing to life this historic landmark in Providence," said Greg Cranford, design partner, BBG-BBGM. Â "Our firm's hotel design experience, coupled with our vast adaptive reuse skills, made the Masonic Temple conversion to the Renaissance Providence Hotel project a remarkable and enjoyable experience."
The project team included: Gates, Leighton & Assoc., Inc., Phelps Program Management, LLC, Sage Hospitality Resources, Marriott International, ForrestPerkins LLC, Wiss, Janey, Elstner Assoc., Inc., PHA Lighting Design, Haley & Aldrich, Thomas Gilbertson & Assoc., DeSimone Consulting Engineers and Edward & Zuck, PC.
The 52-year old Providence Preservation Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to the improvement of the the city through historic preservation and the enhancement of the built environment.